A Stream of Life

XI

PART ONE

CHAPTER I

Wake up sunshine!

The young woman whispered these words in a gentle, but firm, voice to the little being sound asleep on the sofa of the Polynesian hotel.

The rays of the morning sun are inviting us to the beach. Come – we’ll play in the waves!

She could read the answer of the little one in his big smile and in his big light blue eyes, which shone with inner happiness. At the same moment a deep baritone voice reached them from the bed at the other end of the room.

Are you already up? So early? Let me sleep a little bit longer! And in order to achieve this, he buried his head under the pillow.

Stephanie, a sleek young woman with a light suntan, answered him with abundant joie de vivre:

Let’s not miss such a beautiful day. I’ll take a shower while you quickly get ready.

The feeling of being a wife and a mother at the same time made her smile contentedly. She gave her son a drink and disappeared into the bathroom. She glanced at her image in the mirror feeling happy and fulfilled. The gentle and warm togetherness with her beloved from the night before came back to her and enveloped her in the morning sunshine. In his arms she felt secure and complete as a woman. The ancient rituals of men and women, of fathers and mothers, of husbands and wives played an important role in her life.

The culture she was brought up with made this little unit, called family, very important and precious to her. These conservative and traditional values gave her strength in her role as a wife, and made her partnership with her husband stronger.

I certainly will have another child, was the thought going through her mind, while she smiled into her grayish blue eyes and well-defined eyebrows, reflected in the mirror. This time it definitely will be a girl. I always wanted a little boy first and then a little girl, was the thought that went in and out of her mind.

Did you already shower? asked the voice from under the pillow in the bed.

Another five minutes and I’m done, said the young woman.

She quickly finished her morning ritual in the bathroom and put her bathing suit and a light dress on.

I’m ready. It’s your turn. I’ll go and look after the little one. We can leave in fifteen minutes.

It is a wonderful morning, isn’t it? My back is hurting, I think I’m sunburnt. And you are not letting me sleep in this morning! said the young man jokingly.

She smiled gently. Don’t fret, you’d better hurry up as we don’t want to play on the beach under the midday sun!

They walked through the small streets between the resort hotels and reached one of the cafés on the beach to have breakfast. On their way to the café, people were glancing admiringly at the little boy in the stroller with the golden locks and a light tan.

May I take a picture please? The question was directed at them by a young Asian woman with a very profound Japanese accent. This question startled the young couple.

I would love to have my picture taken with your little boy for good luck!

This statement surprised the young couple even more.

You see, in Japan, if you get your picture taken with a little blond boy, it means that you will get lucky in love and find a good man! explained the young girl.

Go ahead then, if you wish said Robert.

All the young Japanese girls grouped around their little ‘Talisman’ and all one could hear was the clicking of their cameras. Afterwards, they all stepped back, bowed to thank the couple and left giggling.

What a lovely boy we have. Now we are even being stopped on the street! said Stephanie.

After breakfast, they took a long stroll along the beach by the water’s edge. Feeling relaxed in the intoxicating summer air, they admired the colorful mosaic of the tourists who came from all four corners of the world.

The carefree vacation days passed by quickly and their stay at this idyllic vacation oasis came to an end. Before their departure, the radio and television news were announcing the beginning of a war in the Middle East, this news made them homesick, and they were glad to make their way back home to Europe.

They still stuck to their original plan of stopping over in North America to visit some friends before their return home. The flight was very full. There were quite a few young men on board joining their armies in their homelands to fight the war. This gave the young couple an uneasy feeling. It made them realize that the news was real indeed. Before landing in Oregon, they admired from the air the endless West Coast. The land welcomed them with its lush forests and golden waterways. People were strolling along the rivers wearing colorful warm winter jackets, reminding them of Native American outfits. Everything seemed so peaceful, in tune with nature. The time in their friends’ pleasant company made them momentarily forget the seriousness of the forthcoming war. But they were reminded of it, when relatives of their hosts were called to duty at a station in Germany. Stephanie and Robert promptly offered their help and support in Europe. It made them very sad to see the sorrow in the eyes of the soldier’s parents. In spite of the hospitality of their friends, it became difficult to stay there during these sad times. The only time they found peace and solace was during their strolls in the lush green forests and under the rays of the sun in this corner of the world, where humans felt secure and bonded with nature. The trees and rivers were bursting with endless energy and were in total harmony with the earth. It was with mixed feelings that the threesome left this fairyland behind and started their journey towards Europe.

The air in the plane was fresh and mixed with a strong coffee aroma. The professionalism and efficiency of the crew reminded them exactly of the atmosphere in their small country, situated in the middle of Europe. The country, where milk, honey and chocolate flowed in abundance, where time was measured with the perfection of chronometers and where everything was as solid as their banking system. One could easily read on the faces of the passengers their enthusiasm for returning to their homeland.

The winter and their daily routine brought them back to reality. And soon, after a pregnancy test, they found out that their small family would grow and someone new would join them. Robert did not seem to be very enthusiastic about the news and their little son was too young to understand.

Are you sure that it’s my child? Robert asked, half-jokingly. He seemed to have doubts about the test results.

What do you mean? asked Stephanie, bemused by Robert’s unusual question. Of course it’s your child!

But I was careful all the time! It cannot be true, you, pregnant again? said Robert reproachfully.

Why not? with the time difference the body reacts differently and the whole biological mechanism changes. Do you have any idea how lovely it would be to have two children? said Stephanie optimistically.

No, I don’t! was his answer, and I’m not ready for this. It’s too soon. I can hardly handle one, and now the second is on its way. I am simply not ready for a larger family.

The room was filled with an eerie silence. Stephanie swallowed hard and went to the kitchen. One thing she knew for sure was that she would not abort this child! That would be unacceptable.

In the evening they went to Robert’s mother’s house.

She greeted them spontaneously with What lovely news! I love children so much! Our house was always filled with children. Why aren’t you happy about this? She turned towards her son. Children come to this world and they get brought up. It’s that simple. I hope it will be a little girl! Oh, that would be so lovely … she chirped. After these words, Stephanie felt calm returning to her.

The talk turned to the forthcoming Easter holidays. They decided to spend them in their homeland with her family and other relatives.

Don’t you think this trip might be too tiring for you? asked Robert’s mother. It will take over ten hours to get there and you will have your little boy with you, You know the streets are snow-covered there.

What are you talking about, mother? The first pregnancy was without a problem, so why should something happen with this one? And your son is such a skillful driver! said Stephanie and looked at her husband tenderly.

A few days later they were on their way. Everything went as planned. No delays and no unpleasant surprises with the weather.

We are almost there. We need to refuel. I’ll stop at the next gas station. These words woke her from her slumber. Good timing, I need to go the toilet, she answered.

I’ll fill the tank, and you can get us something to eat, said Robert.

OK, I’ll be back in five minutes, she said.

Stephanie ran towards the building. Everything was new and smelled clean and chemical. Modernism has reached the old communist countries as well, she thought. Even the toilets looked so modern and new, but so cold and artificial looking. She continued to remark: Maybe it is the damp, cold weather out there, making me think like this. While leaving the toilet area, an uneasy feeling overcame her. She shuddered with the thought of catching the flu or a virus.

Oh, what a silly idea! she whispered to herself. I’ll wash my hands thoroughly. Who knows who was in there before? Soon we will be at my parents’ where nothing can happen to me. At home, one is always safe and mother will look after me….

She entered the store, bought some lemon tea and ran back to the car. Her little boy Sven was sleeping peacefully. A few minutes later they were again on the highway.

Home! Her joy was overwhelming. The return to her homeland had always been a great event in her eyes and her parents received them with outstretched arms.

How lovely it is to have you here! How was your trip? How long were you on the road? were the endless, but ever so endearing questions.

Robert and Stephanie told them about the trip, and the news about the new baby. Her parents suggested Stephanie stayed with them while Robert went to visit his relatives living further away. Everybody agreed that this was a good idea.

A day after Robert’s departure, Stephanie was bedridden due to a fever and severe headaches.

You really are sick, said her mother. I have to get some medication for you … you are burning with fever, she said worriedly.

No antibiotics please! I beg you, I am pregnant you know, said the young woman.

Of course dear, you are right…. The third month is crucial in the child’s development. I’ll ask the pharmacist to give you a natural remedy.

The caring mother came back with a homeopathic preparation from her grandma’s pharmacy.

I’ll massage this ointment into your skin. You should also drink a lot and take vitamins. That is the best method.

Two days went by. The fever diminished, but Stephanie still felt quite weak. And on top of everything, she had a sore throat and a runny nose.

Very simple – you have the flu. said her mother. We shall call your uncle, who is a doctor, I am certain he will have some good advice for you.

Do not give her any antibiotics and keep her warm, the cold has to run its course said the uncle.

Another two days passed by. And Stephanie got better. Although she still had a sore throat and the cold, her fever went away. The holidays went by quickly as well, and it was soon time to go back.

Drive carefully and beware of drafts!

With her parents’ soothing words, they finally took off.

After their return home, Stephanie called her doctor, and made an appointment to have a thorough checkup.

I didn’t detect anything unusual, the fetus is developing normally. The height is normal and the blood work results are in order too. This pregnancy is going as smoothly as the first one. Stephanie thanked the doctor with a bright smile on her face. The good news calmed her down, and she quickly forgot her flu. Days and weeks went by, life took its normal course. She loved her work. Her colleagues and superiors were constantly inquiring about her health, they all wanted to know whether she would choose to return to work after the birth. Certainly, having two children was a big responsibility and required lots of attention.

In our culture, women usually give up their jobs completely or partially, after having their first child, let alone the second one, were the usual comments.

But Stephanie had her own convictions on this subject.

My parents worked throughout. I do not know anything different, so I shall master this! said the young woman.

One day, during her lunch break, she was discussing the company’s forthcoming restructure and the planned personnel changes with another colleague.

I wonder what will remain for me to do here, after my return from the maternity leave? said Stephanie.

Oh there’s plenty of time to think about these things … for now enjoy your stay at home, where you will spend a lovely time with your family. Meanwhile we will work ourselves up here with heated discussions. And please do not worry about anything, we already made a decision about sharing your duties during your absence. We will manage, don’t worry.

Suddenly Stephanie felt that something was wrong with her.

What’s going on, are you alright? asked her colleague.

Something strange is happening, I can’t see properly, I can’t see you at all! I can’t move, I feel like I’m suffocating! she whimpered fearfully.

Stay calm, whatever it is, it will go away soon. Just breathe deeply, take a deep breath, her colleague kept repeating.

I’m not trying to make a scene, but this ringing in my ear … I can’t see anymore….

Shall I accompany you outside? Please don’t panic. You know, I’m trained, as a stewardess, to handle such fainting spells on board.

Stephanie stayed put, concentrating on her breathing. Can you hear me? asked her colleague.

The ringing in her ears was going away slowly. She started to see gray dots, and right after that the darkness cleared. Slowly, she began to see her colleague’s body contours, while her colleague was ready to take action, to do whatever was necessary to make Stephanie feel better.

I see you clearer now, but have no strength to stand up yet.

Don’t you worry, we have plenty of time. And even if we are a little late going into the office, it does not matter.

Appreciation and gratitude were visible in Stephanie’s smile, although her face still showed signs of fear. Something is not right with me, she thought. A few minutes later both young women stood up.

At home she told her husband what had happened at the office. They decided to contact the gynecologist immediately. They had a long wait at the doctor’s office, there was no sign of him. Robert was slowly losing his patience.

This is unacceptable, how can they make us wait so long? he complained to the receptionist. Our appointment was an hour ago.

Please don’t get upset. The young employee tried to calm him down. The doctor had an emergency. He will be with you soon. I’ll quickly ask him if he can see you now.

They were received by the specialist right after that. After completing the routine checkup, the doctor said: All seems to be in order. The development of the baby is normal, and it is the right size.

Are you sure doctor? I feel my belly is much smaller, compared to the first pregnancy. Almost half the size, and to top it all, I had this fainting episode.

Nothing to worry about, the doctor tried to calm her down. This is a little girl, and there are no rules, one pregnancy can differ from another. Are you taking the medication I prescribed you the last time?

What medication? You didn’t prescribe anything!

Oh my assistant mixed everything up again! I am slowly losing my patience with her. I had asked her to give you a prescription for iron and vitamins. This is very important, we should keep your blood at the ideal level. Also, we should arrange for you to have certain tests done at the hospital. You still have three months to go, and the hospital should be adequately prepared before the birth. My assistant will take care of it. By our calculations, the baby should arrive by mid-November. I will certainly be around at that time of the year.

The doctor said his good-byes to the three of them with a rather nervous smile on his face. Stephanie’s fainting episodes repeated every two weeks. Her unease grew bigger and bigger.

Something is not right, she whispered one day to her husband. I would love to go back to Canada to have this baby. Terry was fantastic with the delivery of our son. But I am not sure if he would to take me on again…. He just became a specialist and opened his private practice.

Don’t worry about it, I am certain he’ll take you. And in case he can’t, he’ll certainly refer you to another specialist and in any case I need to travel there too. I’ll arrange everything, trust me.

In a week’s time it had all been arranged. The hospital in Canada was ready to receive the new patient, and had seen to it that all necessary tests would take place. Four more weeks to go before the delivery.

On Friday Stephanie informed her superior of her imminent departure to Canada, and that she would not be at work on Monday. He seemed surprised and asked her tersely: And why is that? Her brief answer did not convince him of the seriousness of the matter, he could not understand her fear. Either he did not know how